Many people are familiar with church committee/council meetings that go around in circles, where too much time is spent on trivial details. The British TV show The Vicar of Dibley, although a caricature, is sadly true to life (especially in some smaller churches)! It’s frustrating when we devote a disproportionate amount of time to matters that are of no spiritual or eternal consequence, while neglecting Christ’s call to make and grow disciples.

But some church meetings really get it right. This week’s reading from Acts 15 describes the first ever council of the Christian church, held in Jerusalem. And the main item of business on the agenda was certainly one of vital importance to the mission of the church. The early believers gathered to discuss whether or not Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians were required to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses in order to be recognised as full members of God’s family.  

While some believed such rules should remain in place, others recognised that Christ had brought about a new era in God’s dealings with humanity. They pointed out that the Lord had seen fit to allow the good news of salvation to be preached to the Gentiles (v. 7), and had even enabled them to respond in faith, resulting in them receiving the Holy Spirit (v. 8). Yet verse 11 is the clincher, “We believe that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Following this, the whole group was in agreement that Gentiles should not be required to observe Jewish rituals.

God’s grace to us in Christ moves us beyond pettiness and legalism. It reminds us that the salvation of sinners is more important than earthly traditions, no matter how longstanding. May every church remember that it exists to bring people to faith and maturity in the Lord Jesus. Let us not ‘sweat the small stuff’, but celebrate true gospel growth, and pray and work for more of the same by the power of the Spirit.